Hotel Snapshot
The Upper East Side has an upscale milieu that can’t be matched. The Lowell is an encapsulation of its well-heeled surroundings. Located moments from Madison Avenue (should you need to do some designer shopping to dress the part) and Central Park, it’s a timeless hideaway for the high-end crowd, exceptionally polished with a palpable heritage and sense of hospitality that makes guests feel welcome and right at home.
Design & Character
Upon entering the red-brick landmark between Park and Madison Avenues, with large American and British flags flying out front, and stepping into the vestibule and small lobby, the intimacy and sophistication of The Lowell become immediately evident. It feels like the sort of apartment building that requires co-op approval and a hefty inheritance. In fact, it was once a ritzy residential address—and that welcome-home warmth still continues today. The property is timeless, with an understated elegance that spoke the quiet luxury design language long before there was an actual term for it. The interiors are decorated with plush furniture, old-school moldings, marble, and books that nod to the storied legacy of The Lowell itself.
The Rooms
The hotel has 74 impeccably appointed rooms and suites. Since the floor plans remain the same as when the building was a residence, the accommodations are spacious—more pied-à-terre than quick overnight.
All are appointed with classic furnishings, custom rugs, and antique art. Some have wood-burning fireplaces and private terraces. The suites with kitchens are the ultimate Manhattan apartment fantasy. Will you cook while staying at The Lowell when there’s such excellent dining right on-site and just out the front door? Not likely. But is it nice to cosplay as an Upper East Side resident with the ability to whip up perfectly scrambled eggs and keep caviar and champagne appropriately chilled? Of course. In the expansive bedrooms, crisp linens cover cloud-like beds. The marble bathrooms have heated floors, separate tubs, and DDC28 toiletries, designed by the co-owner and design director, Dina De Luca Chartouni.
Food & Drink
A highlight of any stay—and reason enough to hop in a car Uptown just for the occasion—the Lily of the Valley Afternoon Tea at Majorelle, inspired by Christian Dior's favorite blooms, features finger sandwiches, buttery scones, and pretty pastries served on Dior Maison's elegant Lily of the Valley tableware collection.
If you, like us, are perennially on the hunt for the best hotel bar, look no further than Jacques Bar, a chic corner tucked off the lobby, for expertly mixed martinis and polite conversation that hasn’t been taken over by the Instagram set.
For an even more private setting, the fire-warmed The Club Room, open exclusively to hotel guests during the day, is a discreet spot to slump into a wingback sofa, sip a glass of bubbly, and flip through the library of art, travel, and fashion books.
It may seem strange to call something in a five-star hotel on the Upper East Side a hidden gem. So we’ll say this: The Pembroke Room is a bit of an open secret among the tailor-trouser-wearing cohort. Tucked away behind large French doors on the second floor, it’s like stepping into a European salon, where the eggs are always perfectly poached.
Amenities
The Lowell’s concierge team can arrange exclusive access to the most coveted spots in the city, whether you’re keen to see a designer’s private collection or a private after-hours tour of The Frick. It’s not just two-legged guests who get the VIP treatment. The hotel is proudly pet-friendly, offering special perks for pups, including walking services, dog beds, personalized water bowls, treats, and an in-room dining menu for canine companions.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
The fitness center, located on the 2nd floor, is kitted with all the cardio equipment you’d expect — from treadmills and elliptical trainers to a Peloton bike — plus weight machines, dumb bells, medicine balls, and yoga mats.
While The Lowell doesn’t have a spa on-site, the hotel partners with Dior Spa New York, located a seven-minute walk away within the House of Dior at 57th Street and Madison Avenue, to offer guests bespoke facials and body treatments.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Staying at The Lowell puts guests in the heart of the Upper East Side, within walking distance to Central Park, designer shopping along Madison Avenue, cultural institutions such as The Frick Collection and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and lauded restaurants, including Chez Fifi, Cafe Commerce, and Le Veau d'Or.
Fast Facts
Location: Upper East Side, New York City, New York
Vibe: Upper East Side polish with residential style and staying power.
Rating: Five-star
Room Count: 74
Pricing: Starting from $1,245 a night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Lily of the Valley Afternoon Tea is a fashionable affair with sweets, savories, and tea served on Dior Maison tableware.
Dining: Majorelle for Lily of the Valley Afternoon Tea in collaboration with Dior Maison. The Pembroke Room for breakfast and brunch. Jacques Bar for cocktails. The Club Room for booze and bites in a more private setting.
Amenities: concierge; partnership with Dior spa; fitness center; wifi; bespoke toiletries
Nearby Attractions: Central Park, Madison Avenue shopping, Fifth Avenue shopping, The Frick Collection, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Airport: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or LaGuardia (LGA)
New York City, New York, United States
